MORE than 1,000 EU nationals have been granted permission to stay in the Maldon district post-Brexit, figures show.

Home Office data shows 1,010 EU citizens had successfully applied to continue living in Maldon by June 30 – the deadline for new applications imposed by the Government following Brexit.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Around 160 applications were submitted in the last three months of the scheme being open – 14 per cent of all requests received in Maldon.

EU citizens with limited reasonable grounds for missing the June deadline can still apply to secure their rights.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

Between the launch of the scheme and the deadline, a total of 1,080 applications were dealt with in Maldon, with 610 people granted settled status and 400 pre-settled status.

Around ​70 applications were refused, withdrawn or invalid.

The highest number of applications received came from Romania (240), Bulgaria (180) and Poland (180) nationals.

Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.